University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the Sprint Cup Series race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway.

McCarron, who is from Mobile, led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national titles in his sophomore and junior seasons. The 2013 Heisman Trophy candidate will drive the pace car prior to the race, ducking down pit road just before the Aaron’s 499 goes green.

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“I have enjoyed races at Talladega before and have always had a passion to get up to speed on the track,” McCarron said in a news release. “This is an incredible opportunity, and to be able to do it in front of the most famous drivers in the world, is something I am really looking forward to.”

The appearance is within NCAA guidelines, according to the track and university.

McCarron will have a car to root for in the race. Michael Waltrip will drive a car with an Alabama paint scheme. Waltrip’s sponsor, Aaron’s, also is a Southeastern Conference sponsor.

“We know the drivers and fans are going to be excited to have him here for the Aaron’s 499,” Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch said. “I’m sure as soon as the crowd sees him in our Ford Mustang GT Pace Car, there’s going to be a lot of noise made.”